13 Alabama Pizza Joints Worth The Drive For Flavor

Alabama’s pizza scene is more exciting than you might think. From family-owned classics serving pies since the 1960s to creative spots mixing Southern flavors with Italian tradition, the state offers incredible variety.

Whether you’re craving New York-style slices or Greek-inspired creations, these pizza joints deliver flavors that make any road trip worthwhile.

1. Davenport’s Pizza Palace – Mtn Brook

Since the mid-1960s, this family-owned gem has been crafting pizzas the old-fashioned way. Every crust gets hand-tossed, every topping gets carefully selected, and every pie comes out perfect.

Located on Cahaba Road in Birmingham, the place feels like stepping into pizza history. With over 1,300 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, locals clearly can’t get enough of these made-from-scratch classics that taste just like grandma’s recipe.

2. Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar

Award-winning chef Joe Carlucci runs this innovative spot in Madison. His famous ‘Soul Pie’ breaks all the rules by topping pizza with turnip greens, black-eyed peas, and Conecuh sausage.

I love how he blends Southern comfort food with Italian tradition. The wine bar adds sophistication, making this perfect for date nights or celebrations. Expect to spend $20-30, but the creative flavors justify every penny.

3. Slice Pizza & Brew

National recognition doesn’t happen by accident, and Slice earned it with bold creativity. Their version of the ‘Soul Pie’ features turnip greens, black-eyed peas, and Conecuh sausage atop perfectly charred crust.

Located on 29th Street South in Birmingham, this spot pairs inventive pizzas with craft brews. The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone, from families to college students looking for something beyond ordinary pepperoni.

4. Big Ed’s Pizza

Operating since 1961, Big Ed’s has witnessed Huntsville transform from sleepy town to rocket city. Hand-tossed pizzas remain their signature, but the topping combinations get wonderfully weird.

Cheeseburger pizza? Bacon Buffalo Chicken? Yes, please! With nearly 1,900 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this Pratt Avenue institution proves that tradition and innovation can coexist deliciously on the same menu.

5. Carpenetti’s Pizza

New York-style pizza in small-town Alabama sounds impossible, but Carpenetti’s pulls it off brilliantly. The crust achieves that magical combination of crispy exterior and chewy interior that defines authentic NYC slices.

Generous toppings cover every inch, never leaving you with boring crust-only bites. Located in Moody on Park Avenue, this spot boasts an impressive 4.6-star rating from 836 reviewers who appreciate genuine quality.

6. Lake Martin Pizza Co.

Lakeside dining and New York-inspired pizza create an unexpected but wonderful pairing. After a day on the water, nothing beats sinking your teeth into their generously topped pies.

The chewy crust holds up perfectly to all those toppings, never getting soggy or falling apart. Located in Dadeville along AL-49, this spot has become essential for Lake Martin visitors seeking quality food beyond typical marina fare.

7. Mata’s II Greek Pizza & Grinders

Greek meets Italian in the most delicious way possible at this Anniston favorite. Feta cheese, olives, and Mediterranean herbs transform ordinary pizza into something extraordinary.

The slightly thicker crust provides the perfect foundation for bold Greek flavors. With 1,797 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, people drive from surrounding counties to experience this unique fusion. Quintard Avenue has never tasted so good.

8. Saw’s Soul Kitchen Pizza

Barbecue legend Mike Wilson decided pizza needed a Southern makeover. His smoked meats and tangy sauces elevate ordinary pies into flavor explosions.

Pulled pork, brisket, and house-made sauces create combinations you won’t find anywhere else. The casual, counter-service setup keeps prices reasonable while quality stays sky-high. Birmingham locals consider this essential eating, not just another pizza option worth considering.

9. Post Office Pies

Wood-fired ovens create magic that regular ovens simply cannot match. Each Neapolitan-style pie emerges with perfectly charred spots and airy, leopard-spotted crusts.

Fresh, high-quality ingredients shine through simple but elegant topping combinations. The historic building adds character to every meal, making you feel like you’ve discovered Birmingham’s best-kept secret. Authentic Italian techniques meet Alabama hospitality in every bite.

10. DePalma’s Italian Cafe

Old-school Italian restaurants never go out of style, especially when they nail the basics. DePalma’s serves straightforward, delicious pizza without gimmicks or unnecessary complications.

Their red sauce tastes like it simmered all day, because it probably did. Fresh mozzarella melts into gooey perfection across hand-stretched dough. Sometimes you don’t need fusion or innovation—just honest, well-executed Italian-American comfort food done right.

11. Tazio Pizzeria Napoletana

Authentic Neapolitan certification isn’t handed out lightly, so Tazio’s credentials speak volumes. Imported ingredients from Italy ensure every bite tastes like you’re dining in Naples.

The simple Margherita showcases what perfect pizza should be: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil on pillowy crust. Mobile finally has world-class pizza that rivals any coastal city’s finest Italian establishments.

12. Pies & Pints

Craft beer and creative pizza form a friendship that just makes sense. Pies & Pints celebrates both with equal enthusiasm and impressive execution.

Their specialty pies feature unexpected ingredient combinations that somehow work perfectly together. The relaxed atmosphere welcomes families during lunch and becomes livelier at night. Huntsville’s growing food scene wouldn’t be complete without this crowd-pleasing favorite that keeps everyone happy.

13. Mellow Mushroom

Psychedelic decor and seriously good pizza create an unforgettable dining experience. While technically a chain, each Mellow Mushroom location maintains unique character and consistent quality.

Their stone-baked crust comes in different styles, letting you customize everything. Vegetarian and vegan options abound, making this perfect for groups with different dietary needs. The funky atmosphere and reliable flavors explain why Alabamians keep returning regularly.